Laredo Homeless Coalition
Contact: Barbara Kazen, Bethany House, email here.

In observance of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the Bethany House, the South Texas Food Bank and the Laredo Homeless Coalition partnered together to host a noon lunch at Bethany House on Thursday, November 18th for the community.  City and Webb County officials, Board members of each agency, friends and funders of each agency and the media were invited.  And, of course, an open invitation to all Bethany House regular homeless and indigent diners was announced at each meal service, posted on the front door and sent out by word of mouth.   

This was the first sponsored event scheduled to observe this designated week and more than 250 people came in to share a “gourmet” meal of rice and beans, bread, pico de gallo and a drink.  The South Texas Food Bank provided the rice, beans and drinks and the local ButterKrust company donated the bread.  The Bethany House staff and community volunteers prepared and served the meals.  Board members of each agency came in to help host the event.  

During the event Alfredo Castillo, executive director of the South Texas Food Bank, presented bales of 300 blankets to Bethany House.  In attendance at the presentation were board members of the Women’s City Club, which had donated the money to the Food Bank to purchase and distribute 3000 blankets to various  agencies with homeless and indigent clientele.  Molly Martinez, president of the Women’s City Club, also reviewed the new Bethany House dining tables and chairs, which had been donated by the club members and had been delivered just in time for the special event. 

Tarrant County Coalition for the Homeless
Contact: Mike Doyle, Cornerstone Assistance Network,email here.

The Tarrant County Homeless Coalition will hold our monthly meetings in 2005 at 11:45 on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Broadway Baptist Church.

We completed our homeless survey on November 4th. We survey over 1000 people – all done with volunteers. Results should be out early next year.

Several TCHC members are involved in the City of Fort Worth, City of Arlington and Tarrant County’s 10 year plan to end chronic homelessness, which is scheduled to be finished in the first quarter of 2005.

Hidalgo County Homeless Coalition
Contact: Yvette Balderas, City of McAllen, email here.

The next Hidalgo County Homeless Coalition meeting will be held on February 8th. In December, the Coalition distributed approximately 15 large boxes full of coats that were donated during the winter clothing/ blanket drive.

Montgomery County Homeless Coalition

Montgomery County is planning a street and shelter on January 27th. For more information please contact Kristin Jones at this email address.

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